The middle of the world! I’m currently in the Northern hemisphere, while Lynette’s in the South.09-Jul-2009 21:51, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
After our heptathlon of a journey from Colombia, we were looking forward to seeing what Quito, our first stop in Ecuador, would offer. Initially, smog and high altitude, but we’re now very excited about what else we can do in this small but famous country. At an altitude of 2,850m (over twice the height of Ben Nevis) it is the 2nd highest capital in the world and the bus takes an hour from the Quito border to reach the actual centre. That could have something to do with the relentless snack sellers that hop on and off, but also because the place is damn big with a population of 1.4m. So… what is it like?
The odd Madonna at night, celebrating 1809 when the movement for Quito independance began.
The odd Madonna at night, celebrating 1809 when the movement for Quito independance began.08-Jul-2009 01:57, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 4.5, 105.0mm, 0.3 sec, ISO 1600
We hopped out of the taxi into a quiet dark street allegedly a stones throw from the old centre. The lights were off, it didn’t look like anybody was home, and when it looked like nobody was going to answer we were worried that the hostel had relocated and forgotten to tell the guide book. Thankfully the door was eventually answered by the smiling face of Jonathan who ushered us in to our quiet but very clean bed for the next few nights that is Kinara Hostel. Before long our heads hit the pillow and we were out for the count.
Basílica del Voto Nacional is still technically unfinished, and local legend says that when it does arrive, the end of the world will come. That’ll be magnificent motivation for the builders then.
Basílica del Voto Nacional is still technically unfinished, and local legend says that when it does arrive, the end of the world will come. That’ll be magnificent motivation for the builders then.07-Jul-2009 19:58, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The next day we took a walk to get our bearings, we also checked out a couple of other recommended hostels that would be a bit more lively in L’Auberge Inn and Secret Garden. Unfortunately they were both fully booked, and we decided on balance that Kinara is not a bad place and we could get the best of both worlds by opening a tab at the Secret Garden and having a few beers, retiring later to where we were actually supposed to be. So, we picked up a map, booked our space at the dinner table for later that day and headed into the old town.
Look! Ant eaters! Haven’t seen these in ‘native’ form yet.
Look! Ant eaters! Haven’t seen these in ‘native’ form yet.07-Jul-2009 20:22, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 9.0, 105.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 400
Which took a lot less time to navigate than any other city or town we’d been to so far. Frankly, it is also a lot less impressive as far as old colonial centres go – which was odd as it was the first to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site among all of the South American cities. The Basilica was very impressive, but we’re not sure if we missed something special here along the way. Well to be honest we did, the gold church is supposed to be a must see but the map pointed us to the wrong church which was closed and we didn’t find out until much later. C’est la vie.
Smart, but slightly blinding if you’re sitting on the wrong side of the table!
Smart, but slightly blinding if you’re sitting on the wrong side of the table!07-Jul-2009 22:55, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 16.0, 38.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 400
After a jaunt around the town, we headed back to the Secret Garden for dinner. We met some great people, and after a few beers decided to join them in an Irish pub quiz in the New town. Unfortunately all this culture we’ve been absorbing hasn’t yet transformed us into Trivial Pursuit experts (patience Padawan) so we only managed to contribute to a few of the forty questions and came an unworthy forth. Entertainingly the quiz master sounded just like Christian Slater. Even though we had a great time and lots of extended chatter, we also decided that would be the last Irish pub we’d visit as (a) we’ve come out here to learn about other cultures and (b) they’re expensive.
The next day was a bit more adventurous, so I’m going to leave that for a seperate post, but I’m glad my knee is working ok now that’s for sure!
On day three we entered Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the City in the Middle of the World.
On day three we entered Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the City in the Middle of the World.09-Jul-2009 20:32, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
On our third full day in Quito we had a lot of catching up to do on blogs and paperwork, but managed to squeeze in the must (!) do tourist attraction of Mitad del Mundo, the Centre of the World. It signifies where the Equator passes through Ecuador; but quite why this makes it the centre of the world I’m not sure. Surely its just a point on the Equator? Just like an infinite number of other points on the Equator? In fact, if we’re going to get picky, surely somewhere like Tema deserves the accolade of being the City at the Centre of the World as it is the closest to zero degrees longitude and latitude? What do I know. Anyway, rant over…
At 5 tonnes, it is one heavy planet.09-Jul-2009 22:03, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 40.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
Well, nearly, as funnily enough the 30 meter monument they’ve built to honour the Equator is actually in the wrong place. GPS technology has proven it be about 240m south of where it had been thought to be. Crazy. But a worthy tourist attraction it remains and a sight we must see if we’re in the area. Which we were, so we did. The monument itself looks a little like the Daily Planet globe, as it has a 4.5m, 5 ton globe on its top – the whole thing houses a museum that has the history of Ecuador over the ages. We didn’t go in as you had to pay, we’d already paid to get into the area, and I wasn’t paying twice. It looked small anyway. You get used to being affronted when travelling.
Obviously our stellar Spanish vocabulary isn’t up to much, but this is the little beastie that did the projecting. No more photos, they’re banned!
Obviously our stellar Spanish vocabulary isn’t up to much, but this is the little beastie that did the projecting. No more photos, they’re banned!09-Jul-2009 21:00, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 3.5, 28.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400
The area itself has a number of buildings surrounding it, each with its own unique exhibit. We paid for a combo ticket on entry, which also allowed us entry into the Planetarium. This was pretty cool, you sit in a three tiered circle looking at the domed ceiling, where a complicated projector shines a dizzying show of stars and planets with a deep, throaty Spanish voice over. While we didn’t really understand a word, it brought back many happy days for Lynette of her summer job traipsing an inflatable planetarium around the country and educating children. Although she didn’t particularly want to educate the one noisy ball of fun that sat right behind us, I’m just glad she doesn’t know more Spanish swear words.
As an example, only the young in this family have noticed the escaping gargantuan beetles. Note, this is for a photo they paid for (and I wouldn’t), and they are definitely very alive!
As an example, only the young in this family have noticed the escaping gargantuan beetles. Note, this is for a photo they paid for (and I wouldn’t), and they are definitely very alive!09-Jul-2009 22:15, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 7.1, 105.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The most interesting building/exhibit by far was the Insectarium, which housed a wide variety of incredible insects including beetles, moths, butterflies and more. They were special for their size (which was immense, stick insects the length of your forearm) and their colour (one display was just jewelled beetles of different colours and shine including emerald and gold). They were also impressive as they weren’t all speared to the wall and dead, but roaming around in glass houses with their larvae and attacking their food. I was a bit worried about the butterfly display, as mostly they were on the floor and not moving much. Perhaps the temperature control broke. Unfortunately though this was also the one exhibit we weren’t allowed to take photos of, although I managed to snag one photo to give an impression of some of the beetles size.
After a few more so so exhibits, and a need to head home and nurse our aching muscles (see next post), we carefully navigated the bus system home. If you’re in Quito, to get to the Centre of the World get the blue metrobus line to the end, which is Ofelia. Then take the bus marked Mitad del Mundo and it’ll drop you off virtually outside after half an hour. Whole thing takes 50 cents to get to, and $2 to enter the complex. Alternatively head to Tema.
Campers protesting in the central parks of Quito, presumably about the lethal levels of smog.07-Jul-2009 16:23, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 8.0, 105.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
This strange madonna is on top of a hill viewable from all of Quito – we didn’t venture any closer!07-Jul-2009 17:29, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 105.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 400
Basílica del Voto Nacional is still technically unfinished, and local legend says that when it does arrive, the end of the world will come. That’ll be magnificent motivation for the builders then.07-Jul-2009 19:58, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The building is noted for its ‘grotesques’ of native Ecuadorian animals.07-Jul-2009 20:21, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 35.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 400
The front door, presumably this is Pope John Paul II who did the consecration.07-Jul-2009 20:25, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 9.0, 60.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
One of the two clock towers, which argue over time by about five minutes.07-Jul-2009 20:25, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
One of the two clock towers, which argue over time by about five minutes.07-Jul-2009 20:25, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
A typical Quito street; unfortunately we’d just climbed up one equally as high only to go back down.07-Jul-2009 20:28, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 68.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The bottom of a statue in the grand plaza, which judging by the guard is in great danger of being stolen.07-Jul-2009 20:45, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
Another street. There are only 29 photos in this gallery, so you can see there is some padding…07-Jul-2009 21:17, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 28.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 400
In Quito, you can also buy Magic Sex. So if you’re looking for some, head to Ecuador!07-Jul-2009 21:21, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 8.0, 63.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 400
Taken from the top of the Secret Garden hostel, as the clouds roll in from the mountains.07-Jul-2009 21:39, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The fast advance and retreat of the clouds reminds you of a sky breathing over Quito at 2,850m.07-Jul-2009 21:45, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 105.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 400
It is truly spectacular, although I guess it gets a bit foggier than the smoggy normal occasionally!07-Jul-2009 22:37, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 14.0, 85.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 400
Smart, but slightly blinding if you’re sitting on the wrong side of the table!07-Jul-2009 22:55, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 16.0, 38.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 400
The odd Madonna at night, celebrating 1809 when the movement for Quito independance began.08-Jul-2009 01:57, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 4.5, 105.0mm, 0.3 sec, ISO 1600
On day three we entered Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the City in the Middle of the World.09-Jul-2009 20:32, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
Its attempting to replicate a small colonial city, basically its a bunch of Artisan shops and some good to strange exhibits.09-Jul-2009 20:37, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
We paid the extra dollar to enter the Planetarium, a spacial projection of the galaxy in the form of a show, unfortunately solely in Spanish.09-Jul-2009 21:00, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 3.5, 28.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400
Obviously our stellar Spanish vocabulary isn’t up to much, but this is the little beastie that did the projecting. No more photos, they’re banned!09-Jul-2009 21:00, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 3.5, 28.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400
There are many of these busts, Charles Marie de la Condamine was a French explorer, geographer, and mathematician. He got stuck in Quito and discovered rubber in the process. He also contributed to the definition of a metre. Rubber sounds better.09-Jul-2009 21:47, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 30.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The middle of the world! I’m currently in the Northern hemisphere, while Lynette’s in the South.09-Jul-2009 21:51, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
This guy was one of the first giant builders of Quito, unfortunately he miscalculated the drying time of cement and became seperated from his upper limbs in his attempts to free himself.09-Jul-2009 21:54, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 35.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 400
This exhibit was suprisingly awesome, but allowed no photos. A whole variety of beatles, moths, butterflies of gargantuan sizes and amazing colours are all here – and not all are dead!09-Jul-2009 22:15, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 10.0, 28.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 400
As an example, only the young in this family have noticed the escaping gargantuan beetles. Note, this is for a photo they paid for (and I wouldn’t), and they are definitely very alive!09-Jul-2009 22:15, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 7.1, 105.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
The odd Madonna at night, celebrating 1809 when the movement for Quito independance began.
Basílica del Voto Nacional is still technically unfinished, and local legend says that when it does arrive, the end of the world will come. That’ll be magnificent motivation for the builders then.
Look! Ant eaters! Haven’t seen these in ‘native’ form yet.
Smart, but slightly blinding if you’re sitting on the wrong side of the table!
On day three we entered Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the City in the Middle of the World.
At 5 tonnes, it is one heavy planet.
Obviously our stellar Spanish vocabulary isn’t up to much, but this is the little beastie that did the projecting. No more photos, they’re banned!
As an example, only the young in this family have noticed the escaping gargantuan beetles. Note, this is for a photo they paid for (and I wouldn’t), and they are definitely very alive!
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